The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is Scotland's premier independent marine science organisation generating new knowledge for the benefit of the marine environment and society since 1884.

Dr Callum Whyte

Phytoplankton Ecologist

I am interested in the ca 80 toxin-producing microplankton species, what causes them to form harmful algal blooms, their distribution and how to predict HABs.

At SAMS I am the Deputy Manager of our FSA monitoring programme for the presence of toxin producing plankton in shellfish production areas in Scotland. I am also the Deputy Radiation Protection Supervisor.

My research interests lie in phytoplankton ecology and focus on trying to understand the drivers that lead to blooms of harmful algae with the eventual goal of developing tools and methods that can help to identify and predict their occurrence.

Using data derived from the SAMS HAB monitoring Programme, CEFAS, MERCATOR, COPERNICUS and NASA’s jet propulsion laboratory, I also produce a weekly bulletin for Shellfish farmers in Shetland advising them of the risks associated with harvesting shellfish that week.

Current research projects

Shelleye: Using satellite data to develop tools to help shellfish farmers monitor and forecast water quality to help identify and prepare for events that could have a negative impact on shellfish. Funded by BBSRC / NERC.

PRIMROSE: The project will strengthen risk management and early warning system for the predication harmful algal blooms and associated biotoxins in the Atlantic Arc area. EU Interreg Atlantic Arc. 2017-19

Selected past research projects

CANDYFLOSS: Shelf Sea Biogeochemistry, to reduce the uncertainty in our understanding of nutrient and carbon cycling within the shelf seas, and of their role in global biogeochemical cycles. Funded by NERC / DEFRA.

WindyHABs: Minimizing the risk of harm to aquaculture and human health from advective HABs through early warning. Funded by BBSRC / NERC

Tox Leader

Consultancy and industry experience

I have delivered CPD courses on harmful algae collection, preparation and identification to shellfish farmers and to fish farmers from leading aquaculture companies.

Accessing consultancy services from SAMS

SAMS consultancy work is delivered through its wholly owned commercial subsidiary, SAMS Research Services Ltd. (SRSL). SRSL operates a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) that is accredited to ISO9001:2008 standard, guaranteeing that all projects deliver the best possible service to our customers. All SRSL projects are planned by a professional programme manager who oversees a team of dedicated project managers, all of whom are focussed specifically on client delivery, and have scientific experience and technical expertise in fields relevant to their assigned projects.

Other publications

Qualifications

2012 PhD - An investigation into changes in the phytoplankton community in Loch Creran, a Scottish sea loch. Edinburgh Napier University

2006 MSc (Distinction) Marine Resource Development and Protection. Heriot-Watt University

2005 BSc (Hons) Environmental Studies. Open University

2004 BSc (Hons) Natural, Biological and Environmental Sciences. Open University

About us

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) has been delivering independent marine science since 1884. Based in Oban, 150 staff are working for healthy and sustainably managed seas and oceans through world-class marine research, education and engagement with society.Learn more about us…